The city of Marina is poised to become the first jurisdiction in Monterey County to rule out medical marijuana clinics.

The City Council today will consider zoning amendments that would put a permanent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in the city codebook.

The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the ban on marijuana clinics.

On Monday, Councilman Ken Gray said Marina is too small a city to get caught up in the conflict between state and federal laws on the medicinal use of marijuana.

“We just don”t think the little city of Marina should take on those national issues. Larger cities with larger financial resources can address those issues,” Gray said. “Marina is just not in a good position to take on a challenge like that.”

Though California law is generally supportive of the medicinal use of marijuana, federal drug agents have raided clinics in keeping with federal anti-marijuana laws.

Gray said he hasn”t heard any residents of Marina speaking in favor of allowing marijuana clinics in the city.

Both Marina and Seaside now have temporary moratoriums in effect against such clinics — actions prompted by inquiries last year about the possibility of locating them there.

City staff members say medical marijuana clinics wouldn”t promote Marina”s general plan policies. The clinics wouldn”t generate sale taxes and could prevent tax-generating businesses from finding space in the city.

If the council approves the recommendation, final approval of zoning changes would come Feb. 20, and the ban would take effect 30 days after that.

Larry Parsons can be reached at 646-4379 or lparsons@montereyherald.com.